It is heading for the end of summer now, but we still have some hot weather left. Water temperatures remain pretty high because of that warm spell, but with cooler nights now, we’ll see a slow drop in those temps. 

As we have said, the shallow weeds are starting to turn brown, but not the deeper ones yet. Water levels are down a little. 

Walleye fishing is OK right now, with mostly smaller fish being caught. Fish are in 6 to 10 feet on the Chain off the weeds and if you don’t get them there, try the weeds and holes. Crawlers and minnows are working for these fish. On the deeper lakes, the 10- to 15-foot range is best now. These fish also will be moving deeper with cooler temps. Try some of the deep rock bars on these lakes.

Bass fishing remains good, with largemouths still mostly in shallow water in cover areas. These fish have been hitting plastics very well, especially wacky worms, around shoreline cover-like piers, weeds, boathouses and bulrushes. Smallmouths are deeper and biting well, especially on jigs and leeches. Another good tactic is to fish over rock bars and bump crankbaits on the rocks.

Northern action has slowed a little, but is still pretty good. They are generally in weed areas and hitting all types of baits.

Muskie action was very slow toward the end of last week. This is still a good time for bucktails and surface baits over the weeds, and there are still good parts of the population suspending over deeper water. Use some Medussas for these fish.

Panfish action has been good, with some nice crappies being caught on the Chain. These fish are in and right off the weeds, hitting well on minnows or small plastics under slip bobbers. Bluegills are still in the weeds and the larger ones are deeper in those weeds. Worms are always the best for ’gills. Perch also are in the deeper weeds and hitting well on leeches.

There’s some cooler weather now, so get out there and enjoy.

Good luck and good fishin’.